Senate committees talk drought options

AUSTIN (AP) - Texas legislative committees are convening to discuss the state's ongoing, record-breaking drought and whether remaining water resources can keep up with demand.

The Senate's Natural Resources Committee and its Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee meet Tuesday to assess the official response to the lack of rainfall. Committee members also will hear testimony from invited experts on how long the drought is likely to continue.

Members also will examine additional funding needs to bolster drought response and discuss state or federal regulations that may be slowing that response.

A House committee has scheduled a similar meeting for Wednesday.

Through September, Texas averaged only 8.5 inches of rain, nearly 13 inches less than normal. The past year is the driest on state annals, and the drought is forecast to continue into 2013.